Meet Ahmed, 1 of the million Syrian refugee children

Ahmed is one of the million children who have fled their homes in Syria – that is half the Syrian refugee population. He is 12-years-old and was sitting on the ground at Krwigorsk camp in Iraqi Kurdistan when a ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) working in the area met him.

His friends Ayman and Mohammed were sitting either side of him, all three smiling and waving at passer-bys. They are classmates from school back in Syria, a rare connection in a conflict that has torn apart families and communities. They loved going to school but cannot now. It has been two months since they were last in a classroom and they say they have nothing to do in the camp.

‘While many say that education is the key to the future, it is hard to think of what will happen to Ahmed and his friends if they don’t return to school soon,’ said SRT member Torstein Nielson (NO).

Syrian refugee children playing at Domiz camp, Iraqi Kurdistan, August 2013.

The SRT also met Ahmed’s father Ibrahim. He is 47-years-old and has seven children. They lived in Damascus during the fighting; bombs were going off everywhere. It was just in time that Ibrahim took his family into the basement for refuge; not long after their house was destroyed. He took his children by the hand as they left the ruined house, and Syria, and walked for six days to reach the border.

Dream of going home

Many refugees dream of returning to Syria, of going home. Ibrahim hopes that he may one day return to his country and the life they used to have:

‘The future of the children, their school, everything is there.’

ShelterBox has sent SchoolBoxes packed with stationary and activities for refugee children like Ahmed, Aymen and Mohammed in Iraqi Kurdistan to help continue education and bring a sense of normality to their lives.

Together we can make a difference

You too can help Syrian refugee families fleeing conflict by donating to ourSyria Refugee Appeal. Together we can make a difference and bring Syrian families shelter, warmth and dignity. Please note that no box numbers will issued for the appeal which will allow us to respond in more more flexible manner. Boxes may still be sponsored through the usual channels.